PBA: Troy Rosario, healthy again and well rested, primed for strong showing

FILE–Blackwater forward Troy Rosario dunks during a PBA preseason game against Phoenix. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Troy Rosario is looking ahead to putting up a strong campaign following the longest offseason of his pro career and a solid PBA On Tour stint when he takes the leadership role at Blackwater in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Hounding by injuries even before being acquired by the Bossing from the TNT Tropang Giga and dealing with double duties in recent seasons as a member of Gilas Pilipinas, Rosario said he spent the past months working on strengthening his body in hopes of preparing himself for long grind of the PBA season.

“I really put a lot of focus on my conditioning,” Rosario said in Filipino. “It was the longest offseason I’ve had in my career and I spent a lot of time making sure that I’m in good condition and also taking advantage of the time to rest when necessary.”

Rosario played just 10 of 23 games since joining Blackwater in the 2022-23 Commissioner’s Cup after dealing with an injured foot, bone spurs on his knee and a strained calf. He also had to deal with a broken finger when he was part of TNT’s run to the 2021 Philippine Cup title.

But Rosario showed signs of returning to the form many are used to seeing during the On Tour, posting 16.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists in nine games.

“The On Tour was really a big help. At least, I was able to play some games and I was able to know my strengths and weaknesses,” said Rosario.

Blackwater was scheduled to open the PBA’s 48th season campaign Wednesday with a match against Converge at Philsports Arena in Pasig City, which also serves as the debut of new coach Jeffrey Cariaso.

Cariaso has made Rosario one of the leaders of the young squad that will try to get out of the cellar the Bossing have dealt the past few seasons.

“I want to impact the things that I’ve learned from my past experiences to the younger guys,” said Rosario.